St Hugo Barossa Shiraz 2021

The history of the St Hugo label is such that many winelovers assume it is the Coonawarra Cabernet first, with everything else second and bringing up the rear. Don’t be fooled. The current Cab is a cracker but for me, the pick of the trio is this brilliant Barossa Shiraz. Perhaps that is because it enjoys the benefit of a wonderful year while the Cab lags a year behind in its releases (not to suggest that 2020 is not a good vintage – just that 2021 is something a bit special). Black/maroon hue, this is bold, intense and exuberant. With its lifted aromatics and rich flavours, it is the very personification of a top Barossa Shiraz. Chocolate, aniseed, bay leaves, soy, blackberries and hints of delicatessen meats with exquisitely balanced and well-integrated oak. Supple, fresh, youthful and neatly balanced. Excellent focus with satiny tannins and very good length. This has ten to fifteen years ahead of it. A cracker indeed. Love it.